If you find yourself with  a free night in Nashville, check out the Open Mic at The Nashville Palace. The world famous Nashville Palace is known as the place that turned Randy Travis from a dishwasher and cook to a household name and music superstar, I was excited about catching some live music at Nashville Palace’s new location. I had frequented the old location many times, but the new and bigger location had a great feel from the moment I walked in.

 I knew it was going to be an interesting night as I walked through the lobby and a pretty blond ahead of me turned around and smiled as she walked through some doors to a private function. I quickly realized it was Irlene Mandrell, the youngest sister of the famous “Mandrell Sisters”. I have seen Barbara out several times at the Nashville Predators games, but seeing Irlene got me slightly excited. I had always thought she was the hottest sister of the trio back when their show was on NBC, as most men did! Apparently she was there to do a sound check for a show that she would be performing the next night.

As I walked into the main bar, I saw James Breedwell setting up the equipment shortly before the 5:00 starting time for the show. James is the force behind Nashville Music Group’s 5 Writers Nights a Week. Two shows weekly are held at Nashville Palace on Monday and Thursday nights from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. He also hosts a Tuesday Songwriters Night at Hooters in Hermitage from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. He rounds out the weekend, at of all places, Chick-Fil-A in Hermitage on Friday and Saturday nights from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. It’s a full schedule and a lot of work, but James seems to have unlimited energy. He is not only the evening’s emcee, but also the sound guy, opening act, restaurant host who helps seat guests, and acts as a restaurant manager going from table to table mingling with guests. This guy truly cares about how the night is going.

The Nashville Music Group does a great job of providing a place and a stage for artists from Nashville and around the world to come and play their songs and be heard. Pat Groves of Nashville Music Group handles the task of lining up the acts and making sure that the evening goes off without a hitch. James constantly lets it be known that she is the boss and in charge! So many songwriters have James Breedwell at the top of their friends list on myspace pages because he really provides them a place to play when they make their trip to Nashville. He does it for his love of music and artists, definitely not the money. Nashville Music Group is able to put on these songwriter nights from just the tips they collect throughout the show.

The first time I came to NMG’s songwriter’s night I was blown away by the talent and Thursday night’s show was no different. James started off the show as usual with some great songs. He worked the crowd who was made up of locals and tourist from all parts of the country from Pennsylvania to Ohio to New York.

For the full story read the article in this month's issue of our online magazine